18 May 2014

Much like Jrue Holiday, Terrence Williams had a mediocre showing during the 2009 National Basketball Association (NBA) Summer League joint venture between the New Jersey Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. However, he proved to be one of the most productive players at that year's event.

The 6’6” Seattle native scored 22 or more points in the Nets' first four games before seeing just 5 minutes in their last contest due to an illness. After showing well late in what was a season to forget in New Jersey, Williams is slated to be an important part of an improved Nets backcourt and performed as such in Orlando.

In the import-laden season ending conference of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Williams is expected to take full advantage of being the Meralco Bolt’s unquestioned go-to guy. He will be optimizing his sizeable portion of possessions per-game and functioning as his team's primary ball-handler and offensive facilitator.

Meralco Bolts Import Profile

PHYSICALS

POSITIONS

NBA

D-LEAGUE

MISC

H: 6’6”

Current: SG/SF

PTS: 7.1

PTS: 20.6

High School: Rainier Beach

W: 213 lbs

NBA: SG

REB: 3.6

REB: 5.1

College: Louisville

Bday: 6/28/87

Possible: SG/SF

ASTS: 2.4

ASTS: 6.3

Drafted: Pick 11 (2009) NJ Nets

WS: 6’9”

-

FG%: 0.41

FG%: 0.42

Best Case: Andre Iguodala

Max Vert: 37.0

-

3P%: 0.32

3P%: 0.27

Worst Case: Dominic McGuire

Referenced from multiple sources.

Arguably one of the top three athletes in the Governor’s Cup, Williams is expected to be extremely assertive, both with his dribble and his jump shot. He will probably have more touches at his disposal compared to his NBA stint and the Louisville product will be at his best when he attacking the rim, showcasing his ability to play above the rim and fight through contact.

When he wasn't getting to the rim in his previous games, Williams has showcased his midrange jumper. Williams initially ranked near the bottom of the NBA Summer League amongst guards in jump shooting efficiency off the dribble, but knocked down pull-up shot and pull-up shot after those early struggles.

Williams seems to have developed a rhythm that he's especially comfortable with when attacking off the dribble with his right hand, but made some shots going left as well. Still erratic with his shot selection, Williams still needs to develop his catch and shoot game to become a complete off-ball threat offensive, but he showed significant improvement in arguably his weakest area during his stint at the NBA Development League (NBA-D League).

It was also apparent that when Williams wasn't looking for his own offense, he had some good and bad moments distributing the ball. His first step and strength allows him to get to where he wants on the floor, and he used the pick and roll pretty effectively. However, he's still turnover prone and doesn't always mix his playmaking and scoring effectively.

Similarly, Williams was hit or miss defensively, especially with his effort level when closing out, but he has all the tools to effectively defend three positions and made that abundantly clear whenever his man tried to take him one on one. As is the case with most players with NBA contracts participating in the Summer League, Williams' defensive doesn't paint a picture of the intensity he shows during the regular season.

On the whole, Williams' career performance is a great representation of what the Bolts can expect from him next conference. He will dominate the ball and will see many of his pick and roll touches shift to spot-up opportunities where he'll continue to be tested as a catch and shoot threat. Regardless of his role next with the Bolts, expect that Williams' improved pull-up game and consistency finishing at the rim will make him a top performer with the Bolts, and both of those skills will play a key role in how he impacts the team’s quest for that elusive crown.

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PBA Advisory

2017 Commissioner's Cup Format

The tournament allows teams to hire foreign players or imports with a height limit of 6-foot-10.

The top 2 teams will earn twice-to-beat edges over Nos. 7 and 8 while the No. 3 against No. 6 and No. 4 versus No. 5 pairing will be a best-of-three affair in the quarterfinals.

The semifinal stage will have a pair of best-of-five matches and the finals will be a race-to-four affair.

Gilas Pilipinas

Manila will host one of the three tournaments in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The Philippine national men’s basketball team will try to pull off massive upsets against France, New Zealand, Canada, Turkey and Senegal in the competition slated on July 5 to July 10 at Mall of Asia Arena.

A total of 18 teams will participate in the three-nation event whose champions will book tickets to the 2016 Rio Olympics.